Sky highlighted casting for the second series of its original comedy-drama series, "Funny Woman" as production begins in Liverpool and across the Northwest of England. The new series will launch later this year on Sky Max and streaming service NOW. “It’s a thrill to dive back into the world of 1960’s London - with the extraordinary cast and crew of Funny Woman series 2," Writer, Executive Producer, Morwenna Banks said. "Thanks to the genius of Gemma Arterton as Nick Hornby's heroine Sophie Straw - a whole host of new guest stars have joined us. We welcome stellar performances from Steve Zissis, Marcus Rutherford, Tim Key, Gemma Whelan, Roisin Conaty and many more …Tune in Turn On and don’t Drop Out."
"Funny Woman" is produced by Potboiler and Rebel Park Productions, in association with Sky Studios. Creative director of Comedy Anil Gupta is Executive Producer for Sky Studios. The new series is executive produced by Nick Hornby, Morwenna Banks, Gemma Arterton, Andrea Calderwood, Gail Egan, Jessica Parker and Jessica Malik. Ross Williams is series producer. The series is written by multi-award-winning writer Morwenna Banks, BAFTA and Emmy winning writers Kevin Cecil and Andy Riley. BAFTA nominee Oliver Parker directs. NBCUniversal Global Distribution handle international sales of the series on behalf of Sky Studios. Viewers can watch the first series ahead of the new series coming to Sky Max and streaming service NOW in 2024.
Series two of the four-part series, "Funny Woman" shows Gemma Arterton's return as comedian Sophie Straw alongside Steve Zissis, Marcus Rutherford, Tim Key, Gemma Whelan and Roisin Conaty. Familiar faces from series one who are also set to return include Arsher Ali as Dennis Mohindra, David Threlfall as George Parker, Rosie Cavaliero (Code 404) as Aunt Marie Parker and Alexa Davies as Marjorie Harrison. Also returning are Matthew Beard as Bill Gardiner, Leo Bill as Tony, Clare-Hope Ashitey as Diane, and Alistair Petrie as Ted Sargeant.
Series two finds Sophie on a high. She is the nation’s favorite TV comedy star; she’s got a group of good friends and her romance with Dennis is full of promise. But trouble is just round the corner: Dennis's divorce will take three years; Sophie’s new sitcom flops and she uncovers a devastating family secret. Sophie escapes the turmoil by taking a leading role in a film opposite a glamorous French movie heart-throb. The film is a hit and Sophie’s slick new US agent offers her a fresh start in Hollywood, but Sophie returns to London, determined to get the gang back together and to create a new show which reflects her real life, challenges outdated cultural conventions and proves that she and her mates are Funny Women!